Listen Like a Leader

The Kenyan proverb “a deaf ear is followed by death and an ear that listens is followed by blessings” illustrates the consequences of not listening or heeding advice. The saying suggests that attentive and receptive listening is crucial for personal growth, well-being, and positive outcomes. By actively listening to guidance, leaders can gain valuable insights, knowledge, and wisdom. This receptive attitude allows them to make better choices, learn from the experiences of others, and ultimately be supported in their goals. Similarly, the saying “the fool speaks, the wise man listens” implies that true wisdom is gained by actively engaging in the act of listening and absorbing knowledge.

By actively listening, leaders can broaden their perspectives, gain new knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This enables them to make more informed and thoughtful decisions and speaks to the very practice of critical decision-making. In contrast, a foolish person driven by their own desire to be heard, may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and learning. Their excessive talking, interruptions and inability to listen may prevent them from truly understanding and appreciating the insights and wisdom that others can provide. One could conclude then that wisdom is not solely determined by one’s ability to speak but also by one’s capacity to listen.

The idea of active listening is embedded in various sayings across the continent. For instance, “he who talks forgets what he said but he who listens can’t forget” stresses the importance of mindful and attentive listening. By focusing on what others say, we can truly understand their perspectives, absorb valuable information, and internalise the knowledge shared with us. Listening attentively allows us to remember and recall what we have heard, enabling us to apply that information in relevant situations. Similarly, the saying “he who talks too much talks nonsense” highlights the importance of restraint and thoughtfulness in communication. It suggests that excessive or incessant talking can lead to saying things that lack substance. It encourages individuals to value the power of silence when necessary and to choose their words wisely. This can be likened to the concept of quiet leadership, which emphasises listening and reflection alongside decisive action that leads to thoughtful decision-making. This also suggests that leaders do not necessarily have to be extroverted.

Various sayings encourage leaders to heed advice and seek counsel. Among others, the old African proverb “ears that do not listen to advice accompany the head when it is chopped off” highlights the importance of heeding advice and learning from the experiences and knowledge of others. This saying stresses the significance of being open to guidance. It suggests that leaders who ignore advice or refuse to listen to the wisdom of others could face unfortunate consequences. It also encourages humility and the recognition that one’s own knowledge and understanding may be limited and serves as a reminder that multiple perspectives can help prevent avoidable mistakes, promote personal growth, and contribute to better decision-making. It is important for effective leaders to surround themselves with strong advisors. This allows leaders to have a sounding board and have access to additional knowledge and advice.

An Ashanti saying reminds us that “when a king has good counsellors, his reign is peaceful”. It highlights the significance of wise and knowledgeable advisors in ensuring effective leadership. Having good counsellors means being surrounded by individuals who have wisdom, experience and expertise in various areas. Such counsellors provide valuable advice and guidance to leaders and enable them to make more informed decisions. They offer different perspectives, challenge assumptions and help leaders navigate complex situations. Effective leaders embrace this approach and foster a climate of collaboration and open communication with their advisors.

These African proverbs remind us there is inherent power in the act of listening and seeking counsel before taking practical action. Wise leaders understand the intrinsic value of empathetic listening that promotes trust, collaboration and inclusivity. They recognise that wisdom is cultivated through active and attentive listening and learning from others: advisors and counsellors who provide guidance, diverse perspectives and expertise. Yet, it is not enough simply to listen. Leaders have to connect with the words, feelings and views of the speaker with acceptance and validation – something that requires empathy and understanding.

Merely thinking about something does not bring it into existence and relying on conditional statements or hypothetical situations simply cannot fulfil practical needs. The Ovambo saying encourages leaders to move beyond speculation and wishful thinking and instead to focus on tangible actions and the efforts required to achieve their goals. It serves as a reminder that practical, real-world solutions require more than just imagination. It also encourages leaders not to assume that things will simply happen. Leaders are called upon to be decisive and proactive in their approach and ensure that they work towards identified outcomes after heeding the advice of trusted advisors.

Excerpted from From the Baobab to the Mosquito by Letlhokwa George Mpedi. Published by Tracey McDonald Publishers and available at all good bookstores.